Whew! The past 3 weeks have flown by, I never thought I could take in and recall SO much information. Medical school thus far has been the most mentally challenging endeavor I've ever pursued. There have been days of discouragement, frustration, amazement, peace, and joy. In every season of life I choose to be content and positive, after all I am an optimist!
For those of you who may be reading this as future SUSOM students know this: there is no amount of preparation that will make you feel "ready" for medical school. If you are months or even weeks out of your first day or ship-out day enjoy yourself, before I started in January I made sure to have 2 weeks to enjoy the holidays with my friends and family before hitting the ground running. I heard from other students at competing Caribbean programs who after 1 week hadn't even started lectures yet. Not at Saba. Get ready to hit the books hard on day one.
I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.
Yes. You'll be overwhelmed, regardless of your educational background, know that everything you hear in lecture won't all stick, as much of medical school anatomy is guided group learning never sacrifice rigorous independent studying regardless of your particular learning style. I thought I knew how to learn based on how well I did in undergrad, but since day one I have had to dramatically change my study habits: created (and stuck with) a schedule, changed the way I take notes in class, prioritized self-care and sleep. I have kept an open mind, not limiting myself to doing what I've always done in terms of my life before medical school, writing notes, flashcards, and re-listening to lectures.
Stay positive! Yes it's a fire hose of information, drink from it one sip at a time and take each day at a time. Surround yourself with other students who are encouraging and who will commit to keep you accountable!
For those of you who may be reading this as future SUSOM students know this: there is no amount of preparation that will make you feel "ready" for medical school. If you are months or even weeks out of your first day or ship-out day enjoy yourself, before I started in January I made sure to have 2 weeks to enjoy the holidays with my friends and family before hitting the ground running. I heard from other students at competing Caribbean programs who after 1 week hadn't even started lectures yet. Not at Saba. Get ready to hit the books hard on day one.
I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.
Yes. You'll be overwhelmed, regardless of your educational background, know that everything you hear in lecture won't all stick, as much of medical school anatomy is guided group learning never sacrifice rigorous independent studying regardless of your particular learning style. I thought I knew how to learn based on how well I did in undergrad, but since day one I have had to dramatically change my study habits: created (and stuck with) a schedule, changed the way I take notes in class, prioritized self-care and sleep. I have kept an open mind, not limiting myself to doing what I've always done in terms of my life before medical school, writing notes, flashcards, and re-listening to lectures.
Stay positive! Yes it's a fire hose of information, drink from it one sip at a time and take each day at a time. Surround yourself with other students who are encouraging and who will commit to keep you accountable!
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